Egypt regime change boosts our hopes of Gaza visit

Published: 4 March, 2011

• IT was wonderful reading the optimistic accounts of Highbury Fields café owner Yehia El-Nerner, bringing home the inspiration shown by the millions of Egyptians who courageously protested for freedom (Café owner says he may return home to Egypt, February 18). Of course, the extent of their victory is too early to predict. 

However, it won’t be long before we find out whether the new Egyptian regime is reluctant to embrace democracy. 

A small positive sign, not publicly known, gives hope for a departure from the old regime that had prioritised serving Israeli policies. 

The new regime revoked the racist travel ban imposed only three days before Mubarak was ousted. 

Two weeks ago, members of Islington Friends of Yibna urged Egyptian Ambassador Hatem Seif El Nasr to immediately lift the travel ban on Palestinians and open the Rafah Crossing. Last week the trapped Palestinians were able to travel home. Will the military regime now refuse to collude with the Israeli-imposed siege and open at last this single gate to Gaza?

I know many Islingtonians eagerly await this news, when at last with this small step towards some freedom we would be able to visit the people of Gaza.

YAEL KAHN
Chair, Islington Friend of Yibna